Lue Shaw Birch Obituary (1923 - 2017)

Lue Shaw Birch (Officer Friendly) Click here to listen to the funeral recording. On May 2, 2017, Lue Shaw Birch was re-united with the love of his life, Lucile (Little Chic). He was born in Rigby, Idaho, on March 28, 1923, the son of Joseph and Sadie Birch. He was the third youngest in a family of ten. Lue's early years were spent in Southeast Idaho, where he developed his strong work ethic working on numerous farms and ranches. As times became difficult in Idaho, the family moved to the Ogden area where Lue worked a number of short term jobs. He later found employment at Ogden Defense Depot, where he met his wife-to-be, Lucile. They were married just before Lue enlisted in the Army in September of 1942. After training at several bases in the United States, Lue boarded the Queen Mary bound for England. He was initially assigned to a quartermaster company near London loading bombs for allied planes going back to Germany. He spent the remainder of his time as a member of the Army Air Corps. This assignment included time as assistant field director for the American Red Cross, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. He returned to the United State in October of 1945 and was honorably discharged at Fort Douglas. Lue returned to Ogden where he was reunited with his wife and son Gary, who was born shortly after his departure to England. Lue worked at Ogden Defense Depot as a packing foreman before joining the Ogden Police Department in June 1949. It was here that he earned the name "Officer Friendly" for his community service work ethic. His early work with the Safety Patrol and bike safety programs is legendary. He retired in 1975. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially at Big Creek. He took his family on many vacation trips, including camping, sightseeing, and the opportunity to further bond with the grandkids. Lue was a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served many callings. Lue and his wife, Lucile, were the proud parents of six children, Gary Birch, Patsy Wintle (Rodney), Marilyn Ann Birch, MaryLu Sheehan (Patrick), an infant son and Michael (Jill). He is survived by Patsy, MaryLu and Michael, along with numerous grandchildren great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The family extends a special thanks to the staff at the George Wahlen Veterans Home and the Bristol Hospice team for their special care and concern. Funeral services will be at 1p.m. on Tuesday, May 9th 2017 at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., where viewings will be held on Monday, May 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday prior to the service from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Interment with Military Honors will be at the Ogden City Cemetery. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 May 8, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Ogden 1875 Monroe Blvd Ogden, Utah 84401 May 9, 2017 1:00 PM CemeteryOgden City Cemetery 20th and Madison Ogden, UT 84404 May 9, 2017